The 2017 Flag Day celebration is now half way done.
A scaled down commemoration of the 117 years of the first raising of the US flag on local soil.
Despite ASG employees beginning a second week of reduced work hours, several departments were in the Flag Day parade this morning.
They included the Health Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Administrative Services, Department of Agriculture, the American Samoa Power Authority, the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, the shipyard at Satala and the Department of Public Safety
Manulele Tausala, Lupelele Elementary, Tafuna Elementary school were among the marchers, together with JROTC units from several high schools.
There were also many sports teams, for example the Fagaitua Vikings, the women’s volleyball team and JPS teams.
Asco Motors was the only
In his remarks Governor Lolo Moliga emphasized the theme for the 2017 Flag Day celebrations, Youth For Tomorrow and the foresight of the forefathers of Tutuila and Manua to forge a union between these islands and the United States.
The governor said about four weeks ago, young people raised with the United States, the significance of the Deed of Cession, its benefits, a reference to the lawsuit on the large vessel prohibited area.
Lolo thanked by name Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale and attorneys Aitofele Mino Sunia and Aloma Leota for successfully presenting American Samoa’s case. which illustrates the foresight of ancestors who sought special protection for American Samoa’s ocean and land resources as well as its culture.
The governor told the crowd that this Flag Day, he and the Lt Governor along with Fono and traditional leaders, have stepped away from tradition and decided to invite the Head of State of Samoa, experienced politician and leader of Samoa, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, to give the Flag Day address.
Lolo referred to the Head of State as the father of all of Samoa.
Tuiatua thanked the governor and local leaders for giving him the honor to keynote this significant event for American Samoa.
He said it is most unusual for the leader of another country to give the main speech in another country’s milestone celebration.
Tuiatua’s speech in Samoan was rich in Samoan oratory, proverbs and legends.
He underscored that language and culture are God’s gift to each country and people and it was important for Samoans to speak to God in their native tongue.
Tuiatua gave examples of challenges in relationships between God and man, between parents and children, man and wife and between human beings which have manifested in problems like sea level rise, spousal abuse and violence in society.
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Following the speeches, the parade got underway with Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson and the police force leading the marching groups.
The last to pass in review was StarKist Samoa numbering more than 2000 led by Archie Taotasi Soliai.
